This year’s Beyond Extra Virgin International Congress, which starts Wednesday in Córdoba, is being organized by Spain’s Interprofesional del Aceite de Oliva Español. The Interprofessional is a non-profit official organization which represents all members of Spain’s olive oil sector. Here its director, Teresa Pérez, talks about the importance of the congress and what to expect.
What is different about Beyond Extra Virgin this year?
Above all we’re talking about a more ambitious congress. Not only will there be more presenters and speakers than at previous editions, they’ll be coming from more countries. And in terms of new aspects, I should also highlight that the Mediterranean diet will also play a big role at this Congress. That’s natural given that it was inscribed in UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage last year. As for other things, obviously there is the focus on extremely high quality extra virgin olive oil, its production, its market positioning and culinary uses. Spain will share some of its innovations in this field.
What prompted the Interprofessional to organize Beyond Extra Virgin in 2011?
In 2009, the Interprofessional was represented in the edition held in California, which was the first to have a real international flavor. Last year, in Verona, the Spanish contingent played a prominent role. After that we got involved in a major way in this event, taking on its organization for 2011.
What kind of people do you expect to attend?
People from a variety of backgrounds will be getting together in Córdoba. Of course the production sector will be well-represented, after all, it is the driver of quality. Thanks to its participation, we’ll be able to take a close look at the considerable experience of producers not only from various regions of Spain but from other countries. Also, technical experts will help us learn more about the characteristics of premium oils, and scientists, participating as presenters and in panel discussions, will serve as a bridge between projects in the lab and in the field, and producers’ needs .
People from the world of cuisine will also play a big role. Internationally renowned chefs will demonstrate how these olive oils are an important source of added value in the realm of gastronomy. And also participating will be organizations and authorities that have been important supporters of the emphasis on quality, which is so important for the olive oil sector worldwide.
What are some of the challenges facing the sector?
In terms of this conference, the big challenge is to enhance the prestige and value of excellence in production and in these extra virgin olive oils themselves. All in all, our goal is to transmit to consumers EVOO’s vast benefits – in terms of nutrition, health and taste – while offering them an extremely high quality product.
Related Articles
Apr. 16, 2024
Award-Winning Catalan Producer Bets on Growing Demand for Arbequina
Two heat-hampered harvests have not deterred the producers behind Gaudea, who are betting that demand for Arbequina extra virgin olive oil will keep growing.
Feb. 7, 2024
Oleocampo's 3,500 Members Overcome Harvest Challenges with Quality Intact
Farmers in the massive Jaén-based cooperative sacrificed yield for a tenth straight year of award-winning quality.
Sep. 16, 2024
Table Olive Production in Spain Rebounds, but Falls Short of Initial Expectations
Farmers warn that a hot and dry August impacted the size and marketability of table olives.
Apr. 3, 2024
Nurseries in Spain Are Running Low on Olive Tree Seedlings
High olive oil prices at origin, interest from private equity and farmers seeking to shift away from more water-intensive crops are fueling the shortages.
Mar. 7, 2024
Sustainability Keeps This Award-Winning Producer Grounded
Treurer is working to establish a circular economy to promote high-quality olive oil production and Mallorca’s natural beauty.
Sep. 5, 2024
Spanish Producers, Policy Makers Explore Strategies for Success in Chinese Market
From an emphasis on quality and terroir to smaller packaging formats, Spanish olive oil sector stakeholders identified several strategies to increase olive oil consumption in China.
Jul. 20, 2024
Trade Commission Extends Tariffs on Spanish Black Olives
The decision came two months after the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Commerce Department’s tariffs.
Dec. 11, 2023
Organic Farm in Jaén Blazes a Trail for Selling Carbon Credits
O.Live generates about 4.5 carbon credits per hectare from its 1,000 hectares of organic groves, establishing a model for producers to increase revenue.